CHAPTER IV
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter presents the results of the system development objectives. It gives
an analysis and interpretation of the significant findings related to the identified issues,
compares them with existing studies or knowledge, and explains the new insights or
understandings obtained throughout the investigation.
Problems Encountered in Managing Dormitory Efficiently
Figure 4.1 Problems encountered in Managing Dormitory Efficiently
This section presents the challenges observed in the Difficulty in Managing Dormitory
Efficiently. Figure 4.1 demonstrates the key problems, organized into the categories of
Place, People, Process, and Product (Refer to Appendix B).
People. People-related problems in dormitories emanate from the actions of
residents and managers alike. In most cases, there is a lack of information on the part of
the students regarding safe dorms, while incomplete or inconsistent information from
managers prevents students from effectively comparing various options. Communication
gaps and a lack of cooperation are further problems that encourage inconsistent
enforcement of rules and disturbances. These issues provide a basis for enhancing
awareness, accountability, and collaboration in managing dormitories.
Place. This category includes issues related to the physical condition and
environment of dormitories. A shortage of safe, well-maintained dorms leads to
overcrowding and poor living conditions. Some dorms are in flood-prone or unsuitable
areas, which further raises concerns about safety and accessibility. Furthermore, multiple
ownership of buildings adds complications with regard to maintenance and decision-
making and makes it difficult to provide reliable, safe, and comfortable housing for
students.
Product. Limitations in the existing dormitory management system include a lack
of automation and limited search and filtering. Most of the dorm information is
incomplete, unverified, or not accurate, some safe dorms are underrepresented, and others
are overcrowded or poorly maintained. Misconceptions in amenities may also bring about
dissatisfaction or misled expectations by students. These challenges call for a more
automated, reliable, and transparent system that accurately presents the data and enhances
the dorm finding and selection experience for both students and administrators.
Process. This category shows operational inefficiencies in the ways dormitories
are managed. Poor booking and reservation systems slow down transactions and lead to
mistakes, while poorly handled issue reporting results in unresolved tenant concerns and
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delays. Complications arise with several building owners, overcrowding, or ill-
maintained dorms due to lack of observation. Smooth processes, clear communication,
and consistent supervision are needed to ensure that operations in the dormitories run
well.
People, place, product, and process are all sources of potential problems in
dormitory management. People-based problems arise from the actions of both residents
and managers, including lack of information, poor communication, and inconsistent rule
enforcement. Place includes a shortage of safe and well-maintained dorms,
overcrowding, unsafe locations, and complications from multiple ownership. Product
limitations revolve around no automation, limited search and filter options,
incomplete/inaccurate dorm information; misrepresented amenities due to this; and
resulting student dissatisfaction. Process would include weak systems for booking and
reporting issues, responsibilities not well defined, and inadequate monitoring that testifies
to the need to have streamlined operations, clear communication, and reliable and
transparent systems to make the necessary guarantees of safe, comfortable, and efficient
dormitory management.
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Features of the “Efinder: A Dorm Finder Management System”
The “Efinder: A Dorm Finder Management System” is an online platform that
aims to ease and modernize dorm operations through an effective system for managing
the rooms, registration of tenants, reservation, payments, maintenance requests, and
monitoring of the entire dorm. It improves communication between tenants and owners,
and even admins, with ease of use in maintaining dorm information, thus keeping things
more transparent, organized, and at the convenience of all parties concerned.
Plate 4.1 Show the Landing page of the system
Plate 4.1 Landing page
Plate 4.1 show the Efinder System initial interfaces, where a user initiates his or
her contact with the application. He would then be able to visit some of the main
sections: Home, Available Listings, and Map Tracker, which allow him to browse
through dorms or bedspace compatible with his preferences. An interface would also be
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available for login, provided there is an account, or creating a new account using Login
and Create Account options to unlock features related to saved listings and booking
activities. This homepage introduces users to featured suggestions that help identify
places of residence. A quick access card to highlighted properties appears on the right,
with more information cards below them concerning details such as verified buildings,
tour schedules, and reviews from residents.
Plate 4.2 Show Login page of the System
Plate 4.2 Login Page
Plate 4.2, the Efinder System login page, show the users to log in with their email
address and password. The system's logo is centered at the middle of the page, with the
heading saying, "Log in to your account." Below it is space to input email and password,
with an option to reset one's password if forgotten. There is a "Remember me" checkbox
for convenience and a big, blue "Log in" button when one's credentials have been
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entered. At the bottom is the link to take new users to sign up and create an account if
they do not have one.
Plate 4.3 Show the Creating an Account page of the System
Plate 4.3 Create an Account page
Plate 4.3, the Efinder System Create an Account page, show the users will be able
to register here by filling in the information needed. At the top, the logo of the system
appears above the header that says “Create an account,” followed by input fields for first
name, last name, mobile number, role selection, such as Owner or Student, email address,
password, and confirmation of the password chosen. Users who have filled all these
fields can then create their account using the blue “Create account” button. At the bottom
will be a link that directs users to go back to the login page.
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Plate 4.4 Show the Admin Dashboard of the System
Plate 4.4 Admin Dashboard
Plate 4.3, the Efinder System Admin Dashboard page, show the users dashboard
represents the center for monitoring all rental activities; there, the admin can easily view
a number of key performance indicators: tenants onboarded, tickets opened, reservations
scheduled, new properties, and monthly revenue. Each metric is displayed in an
organized card format, enabling the administrator to track activity trends and system
performance easily. The navigation panel on the left allows the admin to manage
dormitories, tenants, reservations, payments, ticket concerns, sales reports, and system
settings for effective oversight and smooth administration of the entire rental platform.
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Plate 4.5 Show the Admin Settings of the System
Plate 4.5 Admin Settings Page
Plate 4.5, the Efinder system Admin Settings page, it show administrators manage
and update their account information. On the left side, it has an admin sidebar menu that
includes Dashboard, Dormitory, Tenants, Reservations, Payments & Invoices, Ticket
Concerns, Sales Report, Owners, Settings, Dormitory Approvals, and User Login Report.
The main section houses the profile settings panel for update, which allows the admin to
change his name, email address, complete address, and contact number, with a Save
button upon editing. Below the form is the Delete Account section highlighted in red,
warning the user that he will delete his account permanently, and there is a button.
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Plate 4.6 Show the Dormitory Portfolio Page
Plate 4.6 Dormitory Portfolio Page
Plate 4.6, the Efinder system Domitory Portfolio, show Users can easily explore
available dorms through the system, where they can see a posting about the latest dorm
portfolio, check out detailed information about the rooms, and compare prices and
amenities before booking. This feature will make sure that tenants always see the most
up-to-date listings, thus helping them make fast and informed decisions.
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Plate 4.7 Show the Admin Tenant Monitory of the System
Plate 4.7 Tenant User Monitory
Plate 4.7, the Efinder System Active Tenant Roster, shows how administrators
can efficiently monitor all registered tenants across multiple dormitories. The interface
displays each resident’s property assignment, lease timeline, monthly rent, balance, and
account status, allowing admins to track updates quickly and manage records accurately.
With its organized table and real-time tenant data, this feature ensures smooth
coordination, faster decision-making, and clear visibility of tenant activities within the
system.
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Plate 4.8 Show the Reservation Page in the System
Plate 4.8 Reservation page
Plate 4.8 presents the E-Finder System’s Active Reservations interface, This
allows administrators to effectively track all current bookings in the various dormitories.
The module displays vital information such as the guest’s assigned room, schedule of
check-in and check-out, reservation status, and property owner for tracking and
verification of each guest’s stay quickly and efficiently. With a structured layout and real-
time reservation data, this feature facilitates seamless coordination, timely decision-
making, and clear visibility of all active tenant reservations within the system.
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Plate 4.9 Show the Payment & Invoice Page of the System
Plate 4.9 Payment & Invoice
Plate 4.9, illustrates the E-Finder System’s Payments and Invoice Monitoring
interface, the which facilitates records of all billing activities by the owner in various
hostels. Each resident's invoices are issued, showing property assigned, invoice number,
amount payable, payment status, and due date, making it easy to view each account paid
or pending. Automatic summaries given, such as totals collected and current updates of
the invoice status, provide for the correct financial reconciliation, timely follow-up, and
smooth coordination between administrators and residents. In summary, the interface
makes the management of the records of dormitory billing transparent and organized.
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Plate 4.10 Show the Ticket Concern Page of the System
Plate 4.10 Ticket Concern Page
Plate 4.10, showcases the E-Finder System’s Ticket Concern interface, It enables
the owner to track and respond to service requests submitted by the tenants directly. In
the tenant portal, residents can add their concerns, specify the category of the issue, set
their preferred visit date, and submit the request for review. After submission, the ticket
will appear in the admin dashboard, but with full details like ticket number, category,
priority level, property location, status, and date of submission. Administrators have the
ability to update the status of the ticket in real time, which facilitates efficient tracking,
prioritization, and resolution of maintenance or support needs. This feature ensures
seamless communication between the tenants and the administrators, allowing a quick
response time while managing all the service requests in an organized manner in the
dormitory.
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Plate 4.11 Show the Owner Stewardship Directory of the System
Plate 4.11 Owner Stewardship Directory
Plate 4.11 presents the E-Finder System’s Owner Stewardship Directory interface,
it show’s a tabulated view to the administrator about all the property owners registered in
the system. It shows critical information of the owner, including the name, email, mobile
number, count of properties associated with him/her, date of registration, and status of the
account at the present moment, by which an admin can keep track of owner records. It
also includes some quick access actions for editing the details, activating accounts, and
even record deletion if needed, making data management convenient. This feature,
therefore, allows for clear, straightforward coordination, provides accurate records, and
better control over all your property partners using the system.
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Plate 4.12 Show’s the User Login Report of the System
Plate 4.12 User Login Report
Plate 4.12 shows the E-Finder System’s User Login Report interface, It enables
viewing of login activities across the whole platform by administrators. The module
summarizes the total logins, unique users, and the number of owners and tenants
accessing the system within a selected period. It further contains a daily login chart
visualizing patterns of usage to help administrators quickly assess the level of system
engagement. This feature underlines efficient tracking and ensures clear visibility of the
activity of the users within the system.
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Plate 4.13 Show Add New Dormitory Room of the System
Plate 4.13 Add New Dormitory
Plate 4.13 shows the E-Finder System’s Add New Dormitory interface, it allows
the creation of new dormitory listings by the owners through the provision of necessary
information such as dormitory name, status of rent, price, number of beds available, and
location address. The module further allows uploading dorm images and business permit
documents for verification purposes. Further lifestyle description sections and amenity
highlights will help to create a complete property profile prior to publishing. This feature
therefore facilitates the onboarding of new dormitories onto the system, guaranteeing that
their property entries are accurate, organized, and ready for market.
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Plate 4.14 Show the Owner’s Tenant Listing of the System
Plate 4.14 Owner’s Tenant Listing
Plate 4.14 illustrates the E-Finder System Owner’s Tenant Listing interface, show
to grants the owner of the dormitory an overview of all residents currently housed within
multiple dormitory properties. The dashboard lays out key metrics such as active tenants,
outstanding balances, and concierge updates for fast assessment of occupancy and
financial status. Below is a detailed table listing each resident with an assigned room,
lease timeline, monthly rent, account balance, concierge team assignment, and account
status to help the dormitory owner track tenancy progress clearly and accurately. Overall,
this interface streamlines tenant management, which in turn ensures organized tracking,
timely coordination, and efficient oversight of dorm operations.
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Plate 4.15 Show the Owner’s Confirmation Tenant of the System
Plate 4.15 Owner’s Confirmation Tenant
Plate 4.15 show the Owner’s Confirmation Tenant interface, this shows dorm
owner to confirm and update reservation information so that an official update may be
made on a guest's tenant record. The pop-up provides all the information necessary: the
room reserved, the location of the property, monthly rent, status of tenant, and the lease
duration in order to ensure accuracy prior to the final reservation. This confirmation step
enables the owner to check for data inconsistency and keep an updated lease ledger
across properties. Overall, the interface streamlines the transition from reservation to
active tenancy, supporting smooth onboarding and precise record-keeping for dormitory
operations.
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Plate 4.16 Show the Create New Invoice page of the System
Plate 4.16 Create New Invoice
Plate 4.16 show the Efinder System a Create New Invoice Page, it represents a
structured workflow for the dorm owner to create customized invoices for residents.
Major components of the screen such as owner/tenant selection, property details, invoice
number, billing dates, and charge breakdowns are clearly sectioned for efficient data
entry. The module supports accurate and flexible billing preparation through dedicated
fields for rent, utilities, additional fees, taxes, and concierge notes. This organized layout
enhances processing speed and enables dorm owners to produce complete, professional
invoices with minimal effort.
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late 4.17 Show the Owner’s Sales Report Page of the System
Plate 4.17 Owner’s Sales Reports
Plate 4.17 show the Efinder System Owner’s Sales Report interface, it show
owner of the dormitory to observe financial performance by way of clear analytics and
visual insights. The dashboard summarizes key revenue indicators of total sales, a
number of invoices issued, and average sale value for an immediate understanding of
monthly earnings. A detailed sales overview chart maps the daily trend of revenues
visually to permit the owner to monitor the activities of payments, the peak collection
days, and the effectiveness of billing operations. All in all, the interface supports
transparent financial tracking, helping the dormitory owner make informed decisions
toward maintaining consistent cash flow and optimizing property management.
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Plate 4.18 Show the Available Listing Page of the System
Plate 4.18 Available-Listing
Plate 4.18 show the Efinder System’s Available Listing Interface, it shows a
curated selection of verified dormitory units and bedspace options, enabling side-by-side
comparisons of prices, amenities, and availability. It contains category filters, detailed
room cards, and quick-access buttons that enable users to view locations on the map or
build a shortlist. Each listing covers vital information such as address, available beds,
monthly rate, and key amenities to ensure fast and well-informed decision-making. Such
a layout would therefore simplify the search process and enable the user to identify, in an
effective way, accommodations that best suit their needs.
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Plate 4.19 Show the Dorms Details with Map Tracking of the System
Plate 4.19 Dorm Details with Map Tracking
Plate 4.19 Illustrating the Efinder System Dorm Details with Map Tracking
interface, it show a tenant close-up with a chosen room in a dormitory to review the basic
information and make a reservation. It shows photos of the rooms, key details like
monthly rent, security deposit, and bed availability, with highlighted amenities like free
Wi-Fi. Real-time location with a built-in map gives a sense of place, and users can easily
assess accessibility and nearby points. Clearly organized sections for concierge notes and
property manager information support this feature in informed decision-making, thus
allowing users in an easy way to confirm the room's availability and proceed with the
reservation.
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Plate 4.20 Show the Reserve Room page of the System
Plate 4.20 Reserve Rooms
Plate 4.20, the Efinder System Reserve Rooms Interface, it shows how users can
smoothly send their reservation requests for available dorm beds. This modal presents
important information: room details, rental rate, booking reference, and the duration of
reservation. It allows the user to select how many beds they want to reserve. This layout
presents a clear-cut, easy confirmation that prevents processing errors and supports an
efficient reservation workflow within the system.
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Plate 4.21 Show the Map Tracking page of the System
Plate 4.21 Map Tracking
Plate 4.21 Show the Efinder System’s Map Tracking interface, It shows how one
can navigate through the available boutique residences across Dagupan City. The map
interface highlights specific locations using markers that are clickable to reveal
information regarding the amenities available, their pricing, and availability. This shall be
an intuitive means for users to visualize residence options and access booking or
additional information with ease; this functionality enhances their experience while
preserving quick access to relevant listings.
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Usability of the eFinder
The data presented here were collected using a convenient sampling method, a
non-probability technique chosen for its efficiency in gathering preliminary user feedback
during the development phase. A total of 20 respondents participated in the usability
testing, providing the feedback and data summarized in the following analysis. These
results offer initial insights into the system's ease of use, efficiency, and overall user
satisfaction, guiding future refinement efforts.
System Evaluation According to Functional Suitability. Represents the degree to
which a product or system provides functions that meet stated and implied needs when used
under specified conditions.
Table 4.1 System Evaluation According to Functional Suitability (n=30)
Functional Weighted
Description Description
Suitability Mean
Functional Degree to which the set of functions covers all
3.50 VF
completeness the specified tasks and user objectives.
Functional Degree to which a product or system provides
Correctness the correct results with the needed degree of 3.73 VF
precision.
Functional Degree to which the functions facilitate the
appropriateness accomplishment of specified tasks and 3.45 VF
objectives.
Average Weighted Mean 3.56 VF
Legend: PF= Poorly Functional; MF=Moderately Functional; F= Functional; VF=Very Functional; SF=Strongly Functional
The system's overall evaluation is Very Functional (VF), reflected by the Average
Weighted Mean of 3.56. Individually, Functional Correctness was the highest-rated attribute 3.73,
indicating a strong perception that the system provides the required degree of precision and
accurate results. Functional Completeness (3.50) was the second highest, suggesting the system
covers nearly all specified tasks and user objectives. Finally, Functional Appropriateness (3.45)
had the lowest weighted mean, implying that while the functions exist and work correctly, there is
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minor room for improvement in how easily or intuitively they facilitate the accomplishment of
tasks.
System Evaluation According to Performance Efficiency. Represents the performance
relative to the amount of resources used under stated conditions.
Table 4.2 System Evaluation According to Performance Efficiency (n=30)
Performance Weighted
Description Description
Efficiency Mean
Time behavior Degree to which the response and processing
times and throughput rates of a system, when 3.30 F
performing its functions, meet requirements.
Resource Degree to which the amounts and types of
utilization resources used by a system, when performing its 3.45 VF
functions, meet requirements.
Capacity Degree to which the maximum limits of a product
3.70 VF
or a system parameter meet requirements.
Average Weighted Mean 3.48 VF
Legend: PF= Poorly Functional; MF=Moderately Functional; F= Functional; VF=Very Functional; SF=Strongly Functional
The system demonstrates a good level of Performance Efficiency overall, achieving an
Average Weighted Mean of 3.48, which classifies it as Very Functional. The highest-rated
attribute was Capacity (3.70), indicating a strong user perception that the system's maximum
limits and parameters, such as user load or storage, adequately meet requirements. Resource
utilization (3.45) was also rated as Very Functional, suggesting the system manages its
consumption of resources. However, the system's weakest area within Performance Efficiency is
Time behavior (3.30), which measures response and processing times; this attribute received a
lower rating of Functional, suggesting that while the system performs its functions, improvements
in speed and throughput are needed to elevate this area to the "Very Functional" level achieved by
the other two attributes.
System Evaluation According to Usability. Degree to which a product or system can be
used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction
in a specified context use.
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Table 4.3 System Evaluation According to Usability (n=30)
Weighted
Usability Description Description
Mean
Appropriateness Degree to which users can recognize whether a
3.50 VF
recognizability system is appropriate for their needs.
Learnability Degree to which a system can be used by
specified users to achieve specified goals of
learning to use the product or system with 3.50 VF
effectiveness, efficiency, freedom from risk and
satisfaction in a specified context of use.
Operability Degree to which a system has attributes that
3.78 VF
make it easy to operate.
User error Degree to which a system products users against
3.45 VF
protection making errors.
User interface Degree to which a user interface enables
3.50 VF
aesthetics pleasing and satisfying interaction for the user.
Accessibility Degree to which a system can be used by people
with wildest range of characteristics and
3.45 VF
capabilities to achieve a specified goal in a
specified context of use.
Average Weighted Mean 3.53 VF
Legend: PF= Poorly Functional; MF=Moderately Functional; F= Functional; VF=Very Functional; SF=Strongly Functional
The system demonstrates a high degree of Usability, achieving an Average Weighted
Mean of 3.53, which classifies it as Very Functional. The strongest area of the system's usability
is User interface aesthetics (3.70), indicating users are highly satisfied with the visual design and
engagement factor. Closely following are Operability (3.67) and Learnability (3.60), confirming
that the system is generally easy for users to control, operate, and quickly master.
Appropriateness recognizability (3.50) also performs very well, confirming users can readily
perceive the system's fitness for their needs. However, the system's lowest-rated attributes fall
into the lower, but still positive, Functional category: User error protection (3.37) and
Accessibility (3.33). This indicates that while the system has safeguards, improvements are most
needed in protecting users from errors and ensuring the system is usable by the broadest range of
people, particularly those with diverse characteristics or abilities.
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According to Over-All System Evaluation. This section provides a comprehensive
overall evaluation of the system, consolidating findings from three critical quality characteristics:
Functional Suitability, Performance Efficiency, and Usability.
Table 4.4 According to Over-All System Evaluation (n=30)
Over-All System Evaluation Average Weighted Mean Description
Functional Suitability 3.56 VF
Performance Efficiency 3.48 VF
Usability 3.53 VF
Over-All Weighted Mean 3.52 VF
Legend: PF= Poorly Functional; MF=Moderately Functional; F= Functional; VF=Very Functional; SF=Strongly Functional
The system received a highly positive evaluation, earning an Over-All Weighted Mean of
3.52, which categorizes it as Very Functional across the board. Breaking down the evaluation into
its three main components, Functional Suitability was the strongest characteristic, achieving the
highest Average Weighted Mean of 3.56 (VF), indicating the system's functions are the most
robustly implemented area. Closely following was Usability with an Average Weighted Mean of
3.53 (VF), suggesting users find the system easy to operate, learn, and aesthetically pleasing. The
area with the lowest though still high score was Performance Efficiency 3.48 (VF), which implies
that while the system performs well, its speed and resource utilization could be optimized. Within
Performance Efficiency, the sub-characteristic Time behavior 3.30 (F) was the single lowest-rated
attribute in the entire evaluation, confirming that system response and processing times are the
primary target for improvement to elevate the overall system quality.
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